Common Sense Media Review
By Andrea Beach
,
based on child development research. How do we rate?
Satisfying fantasy sequel keeps up the magic and intrigue.
Parents Need to Know
Why Age 13+?
Any Positive Content?
Where to Read
Parent and Kid Reviews
What's the Story?
A VENOM DARK AND SWEET picks up immediately after the events in A Magic Steeped in Poison. Ning has managed to save her sister, and now the two are on the run with the ousted Princess Zhen and a small contingent of loyalists, combing the country seeking support for restoring Zhen to her rightful place on the throne. Meanwhile, at the imperial palace, Kang's father is busy solidifying his claim to the throne and consolidating his power. Now that Kang is the presumed heir to the throne, he's getting a lot more attention than he wants. He's trying to keep a low profile while pleasing his father and preparing himself for a role he never wanted. When Ning accesses the magical realm, she senses a growing evil that could end up destroying their entire world. But where is it coming from, and how will it show itself when it does come?
Is It Any Good?
This is a unique and vividly realized magical fantasy sequel set in an intriguing and well-developed world. A Venom Dark and Sweet continues the story with elements of political intrigue, family, friendship, and the nature of evil and more in a compelling way that keeps the pages turning.
Romance fans may be disappointed that it's mostly taken a back seat in this final installment. Teens will root for Ning as she pushes herself beyond what she thought she was capable of in order to save the people and the world she loves. The ending is hopeful and satisfying.
Talk to Your Kids About ...
Families can talk about Ning and Kang in A Venom Dark and Sweet. Are they positive role models? What are their character strengths and weaknesses?
What about the violence? How much is too much? Is reading about it different from seeing it in movies, games, or videos?
Did you read A Magic Steeped in Poison before you read this book? If you did, do you like one better than the other? If you didn't read it, would you like to now?
Book Details
- Author :
- Genre : Fantasy
- Topics : Fantasy ( Magic ) , Adventures , Family Stories ( Siblings )
- Character Strengths : Courage , Perseverance , Teamwork
- Book type : Fiction
- Publisher : Feiwel & Friends
- Publication date : August 23, 2022
- Publisher's recommended age(s) : 13 - 18
- Number of pages : 352
- Available on : Nook, Audiobook (unabridged), Hardback, Apple Books, Kindle
- Last updated : September 29, 2025
Did we miss something on diversity?
Research shows a connection between kids' healthy self-esteem and positive portrayals in media. That's why we've added a new "Diverse Representations" section to our reviews that will be rolling out on an ongoing basis. You can help us help kids by
Suggest an Update
Common Sense Media's unbiased ratings are created by expert reviewers and aren't influenced by the product's creators or by any of our funders, affiliates, or partners.
See how we rate